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England speaks about 2008 Election

As the November election draws closer, it has dominated news outlets and everyday conversation.

The election, however, is also a hot topic in England, where McCain and Obama both have active supporters.

17 year old Evan Chomer, an English high school student, strongly believes that McCain is the clear choice.

“Personally, from what I have seen and read in the news, McCain is willing to invest in offshore drilling, which would bring down the price of petrol, and I start driving soon, Chomer said.

McCain’s experience also resonates with Chomer who thinks that both McCain’s age and his experience will lead him to have a better understanding of the US economy.

“I think he will do a much better job in getting the world out of this economic crisis. He’s been around longer, Chomer said.

For 25 year old James Giltrap, Obama is more in tune with European politics.

“We Europeans tend to be more socially liberal than our American counterparts, Giltrap said.

Giltrap thinks the American parties are definitely stereotyped in England, and without ever getting to know individual candidates, the English form opinions on each election based on the stereotypes.

“There are certain key phrases associated with the Republicans. They’re known for their right-wing views and followers. I think of things like anti-abortion, anti-gay marriage, pro-war, and Bible Belt. I’d go so far as to say that many people wouldn’t recognize John McCain’s name, but still think they know what he stands for, Giltrap said.

Obama on the other hand is widely known for his liberalism. “When you hear Obama, we think of someone who’s really trying to champion the common man. I think of civil rights and women’s rights. People definitely know what Obama stands for and he is more widely liked than McCain. Obama doesn’t belong to a label in the same way McCain does, Giltrap said.

Ultimately in England and in the rest of Europe, where the political spectrum is all shifted to the left, Republicans seem close to fascists and Democrats are moderate to right wing.

Ultimately, neither of the nominees fully satisfies European expectations.